Precision forestry allows decision-making on tree level or pixel level, as compared to stand-level data. However, little is known about the importance of precision in thinning decisions and its long-term effects within-stand variation, stand economy growth. In this study, silviculture was optimized for Net Present Value (NPV) 20 conifer-dominated forest stands hemi-boreal southern Sweden. The p...

resource allocation and optimal leveling are among the top challenges in project management. this paper presents a dea-based procedure for determining an optimal level of inputs to produce a fixed level of outputs. to achieve this goal, we assume that the levels of outputs can be forecasted in the next season and the procedure will determine optimal level of inputs for all dmus. such as some of...

This work presents a two-level methodology for the optimal design and MINLP synthesis of flexible chemical processes with known probability distributions of uncertain parameters. This methodology comprises synthesis at 1) nominal level and 2) approximate stochastic level. Both levels rely on considerable reduction of discrete points. The first level provides good starting and flexible structure...

This paper describes an algorithm to calculate near-optimal minimum time trajectories for four wheeled omnidirectional vehicles, which can be used as part of a high-level path planner. The algorithm is based on a relaxed optimal control problem. It takes limited friction and vehicle dynamics into account, as encountered in high-performance omnidirectional vehicles. The low computational complex...

Lender losses on mortgage loans arise from a two-stage process. In the first stage, the borrower stops making payments if and when default is optimal. The second stage is a lengthy and costly period during which the lender employs legal remedies to obtain possession and execute a sale of the collateral. This research uses data on subprime mortgage losses to explore the role of borrower and coll...

A hierarchical control architecture for balancing comfort and energy consumption in buildings is presented. The control design is based on a simplified, yet accurate model of the temperature within each room of the building. The model is validated against real measurements. The control architecture comprises a first level that regulates low level quantities such as air flow, and a second level ...

Previous investigations into the optimal design of instructions for complex tasks have often failed to account for the possibility of individual differences in instruction efficacy. We examined how individuals with various cognitive styles differ in how they make use of and learn from instructions with differing levels of detail. Participants completed a realistic photo-manipulation task and a ...